The tradition of Zozobra turns 100 this August and New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) is telling this ten-decade story in the recently reopened Palace of the Governors. The Museum needs community help to bring this history to life.

Old Man Gloom’s demise has been one of Santa Fe’s most iconic celebrations since its inception in 1924, offering an annual opportunity for emotional and spiritual cleansing through the torching of worries. The Museum wants to see the community’s favorite Zozobra memories to consider for inclusion in this exhibition. Whether in the form of vintage merch, goofy family movies or sentimental elementary school sculpture, the Museum wants to see it all. Community members can bring their materials directly to NMHM on Lincoln Street to have them examined and photographed on-site. Objects that are chosen for the exhibition will be on loan to NMHM for the duration of the exhibition. Can’t make it to the drop-in session? Submit your entry online at https://burnzozobra.com/lend/ or email at DCA-HistoryCollections@state.nm.us.

Image caption: Kids with their own Zozobra during Santa Fe Fiesta, Santa Fe, New Mexico [Leroy F. Ramirez, Carlos Ramirez, and Ralph Love], 1955. Palace of the Governors Photo Archives, 136981.